HVR-1500
Digital HD Videocassette Recorder
www.sony.com/HDV
®
The monitor image
is simulated.
SONY52758_HVR1500 3/19/07 12:07 PM Page 1
2
Bringing a New Level of Functionality
and Robustness to HDV Productions
– the HVR-1500 HDV Recorder
The HVR-1500 is an HDV
TM
source feeder/ recorder*
1
positioned at the top of the Sony HDV Series.
Inheriting the design concept of the market-acclaimed DSR-1500A, the HVR-1500 offers
the same convenient features that professional users demand, such as quick mechanical
response, multi-format DV playback, and a rich set of professional video/audio interfaces
ranging from analog to digital SDI and AES/EBU. The HVR-1500 also offers HD-SDI output
and RS-422A control capabilities, bridging HDV source footage and assets with high-end
HD formats and HD editing equipment.
The HVR-1500 can also be used as a standard definition DVCAM
TM
recorder, in which case
the same editing features as the DSR-1500A are offered.
The HVR-1500 is certainly the HDV recorder of choice for environments where robustness
and functionality are prime concerns.
*
1
In HDV mode, editing capabilities are not available.
The monitor image
is simulated.
SONY52758_HVR1500 3/19/07 12:08 PM Page 2
3
HDV 1080i Specification
The HDV 1080i specification*
2
for the HDV format features 1,080
effective scanning lines (interlace scanning system) and 1,440
horizontal pixels. It adopts the MPEG-2 compression format (MP@H-
14 for video), which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a
sampling rate of 4:2:0. MPEG-1 Audio Layer II is used as the audio
compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a
sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. The HDV 1080i specification
provides the high picture quality required for HDTV program
production.
Direction of tape travel
10 μm
Sub Code sector
MPEG-2 PES sector
(Video + Audio + Search + AUX)
ITI sector
Direction
of head motion
6.35 mm
(1/4 inch)
ITI: Insert and Track Information
PES: Packetized Elementary Stream
HDV FORMAT
Track Pattern of
the HDV 1080i
Specification
VERSATILE RECORDING & PLAYBACK
Compatible with Existing and New
DV Videocassette Tapes
As a member of the proven DV family of formats, the HDV format
was developed from the outset to be compatible with all grades
of DV videocassette tape. This allows operators to use high-grade
DV videocassette tapes for applications where high robustness is
critical, or consumer-grade videocassette tapes for more
economical operations. For heavy-duty applications, the
DigitalMaster high-grade cassette tape has been developed.
This tape is compatible with the HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats.
Switchable Recording
-HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV and 60i/50i
The HVR-1500 can be switched between HDV 1080i*
1
, DVCAM,
and DV (SP) *
3
recording modes, providing full flexibility to record in
either standard definition or high definition depending on your
production needs. In addition, it can be switched between 60i and
50i modes, eliminating the need for two separate VTRs, one for
each standard.
Playback Compatibility with DV (25 Mb/s)
Family Formats
For operational versatility, the
HVR-1500 is designed to play
back DV (25 Mb/s) family
format recorded tapes without
a mechanical adaptor and
without having to switch
playback modes on the menu.
DVCPRO
TM
25 recorded tapes
(M-size cassettes) can also be
played back.
Long Recording Time
The HDV format adopts the same track pitch and tape speed as
the DV format, thus offering the same recording time – a maximum
of 276 minutes when recording on a PHDV-276DM DigitalMaster
®
standard cassette tape and 63 minutes when recording on a
PHDVM-63DM DigitalMaster mini cassette tape. The DVCAM
format adopts a wider track pitch than the HDV/DV format (15 µm
compared to 10 µm), and offers a maximum recording time of 184
minutes on a PDV-184N standard cassette tape and 40 minutes
on a PDVM-40N mini cassette tape.
Down-conversion Capability
The HVR-1500 has a built-in down-conversion capability that
allows 1080i recordings to be output as 480i and 576i signals
from the i.LINK
®
and SD-SDI interfaces. These signals can also
be output from the analog component, composite, or S-Video
connectors. This allows 1080i recordings to be edited using
nonlinear editing systems running DV editing software or to be
viewed on an SD monitor. When down-converting the 1080i
recording, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from
16:9 to 4:3. Display modes can be selected from Squeeze or
Edge crop.
*
"60i" indicates a field rate of 59.94 Hz.
**
The HVR-1500 can play back but cannot record DVCPRO 25 signals.
Output
HD-SDI SD-SDI i.LINK
Analog
Analog
S-Video
Component Composite
●●
–
●● ●●
––
– ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
– ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
– ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
– ●● – ●● ●● ●●
Playback/
Down-conversion
Format
Recording Format
1080/60i*
480/60i*
HDV
DVCAM
DV(SP)
DVCPRO 25**
1080i/60i
480/60i*
480/60i*
Down-conversion Formats and Interfaces
60i System
Output
HD-SDI SD-SDI i.LINK
Analog
Analog
S-Video
Component Composite
●●
–
●● ●●
––
– ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
– ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
– ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
– ●● – ●● ●● ●●
Playback/
Down-conver-
sion Format
Recording Format
1080/50i
576/50i
HDV
DVCAM
DV(SP)
DVCPRO 25**
1080/50i
576/50i
576/50i
50i System
HDV 1080i (16:9)
DVCAM/DV (4:3)
Squeeze Edge crop
*
2
Although it is not used in Sony HDV products, the HDV format also defines the HDV 720p
specification, which features 720 effective scanning lines (progressive scanning
system) and 1,280 horizontal pixels.
*
3
The HVR-1500 supports DV (SP) mode only; DV (LP) mode is not available. Assemble or
insert editing is not supported in DV (SP) mode.
*
1
In HDV mode, editing capabilities are not available.
SONY52758_HVR1500 3/19/07 12:08 PM Page 3
4
i.LINK Interface
The HVR-1500 is equipped with a 6-pin i.LINK *
7
*
8
interface. This
allows it to transfer digital video, audio, and command signals (in
HDV, DVCAM, and DV format) to a compatible VTR or nonlinear
editing system via just a single cable.
Analog Interfaces
As standard, the HVR-1500 provides analog output interfaces for
video and audio. These include composite, component, and
S-Video (Y/C) outputs and two channels of audio output (via
XLR connectors). Using these interfaces, the HVR-1500 can act
as a source feeder for an analog editing system and as a
simple playback viewer in various applications such as
broadcast station studios, OB vehicles, and production offices.
By installing the optional HVBK-1505 Analog Input Board, a full
range of analog video and audio inputs also become
available, allowing a smooth transition to digital systems.
PROFESSIONAL INTERFACES
HD-SDI Interface
The HVR-1500 provides an HD-SDI output*
4
*
5
capability, through
which 1080/60i or 1080/50i HDV recordings can be output in normal
playback and search modes. Time code and audio signals are
embedded in this HD-SDI output. This interface allows operators to
integrate HDV footage and assets easily into existing HD-SDI-based
editing systems such as the HDCAM
TM
and XDCAM
TM
HD systems.
SD-SDI Interface
The HVR-1500 also provides SD-SDI input*
6
/output capability.
Time code and audio signals are embedded in the SDI signal.
This allows the HVR-1500 to connect with a wide variety of
digital equipment including SDI-based editing systems.
AES/EBU Interface
For professional digital audio needs, the HVR-1500 offers AES/EBU
digital audio inputs/outputs.*
9
PROFESSIONAL CONTROL
RS-422A Control
The HVR-1500 is equipped with an RS-422A interface, which is the
industry standard for professional editing. This allows the VTR to
interface with other Sony VTRs, editing controllers such as the Sony
RM-280 Editing Controller, and nonlinear editing systems.
The RS-422A offers frame-accurate insert and assemble editing in
DVCAM mode. It can also be used for source feeding*
10
in HDV mode.
HD and SD Reference Inputs
The HVR-1500 accepts both HD and SD reference signals.
Time Code Input/Output
The HVR-1500 has a time code input/output capability to
synchronize time code when making tape copies.
Built-in Signal Generator
Equipped with a built-in signal generator, the HVR-1500 can
generate color bars or black burst for video, and a 1-kHz tone or
silent signal for audio. These signals can be recorded to tape when
the HVR-1500 is operating in DVCAM or DV mode*
11
to create a
pre-striped tape prior to editing. They can also be output from the
analog and digital interfaces to adjust other equipment in the system.
OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY
Quick Response Mechanism
Quick mechanical response is an essential requirement for
professional video production. The HVR-1500 provides this feature
by using a reliable direct reel and drum motor mechanism. Fast
forward and rewind speeds are an impressive +/- 85 times normal
play speed. In HDV mode, the color picture search*
12
speeds are
+/-8 and +/-24 times normal play speed, and in DVCAM mode
they are between -60 and +60 times normal play speed.
In editing environments, where speed and time are critical, this
mechanism reduces the frustration editors often feel when they
are searching for specific scenes.
Tape and Head Cleaner for Reliable Operation
The HVR-1500 incorporates a tape cleaner that adopts a high-grade
sapphire blade. This tape cleaner helps prevent signal dropouts
by cleaning away particles that accumulate while the tape is
running. The recorder also incorporates a head cleaner to
maintain the performance of the drum heads. These cleaners
improve the reliability of recording and playback.
A full range of professional interfaces are available, allowing for flexible analog or digital configurations in both SD and
HD systems. This allows operators to integrate the HVR-1500 exactly according to their system needs.
By packing sophisticated mechanical technologies into its
robust aluminum diecast chassis, the HVR-1500 provides the
reliable operations that today’s video professionals demand.
*
4
HDV signals fed to the HVR-1500’s i.LINK interface cannot be converted and
output from the HD-SDI interface. The i.LINK input signal must be recorded to the
HDV tape first.
*
5
DVCAM/DV playback signals cannot be up-converted for HD-SDI output.
*
6
SD-SDI signals fed to the HVR-1500’s SD-SDI interface cannot be up-convereted to HDV
signals for recording to tape or to HD-SDI signals for output from the HD-SDI interface.
*
10
The availability of frame-accurate control is dependent on the connected editing controller.
*
9
AES/EBU input for SD recording only.
For information on compatible editing controllers, please contact your nearest Sony office.
*
11
Recording these signals to tapes in the HDV format is not available.
*
12
The color picture search function can be controlled through the RS-422A interface.
*
7
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an
IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector will necessarily
communicate with each other. For information on compatibility, operating conditions,
and proper connection, please refer to the documentation supplied with any device
with an i.LINK connector. For information on devices that include an i.LINK
connection, please contact your nearest Sony office.
*
8
DVCAM/DV signals fed to the HVR-1500’s i.LINK interface cannot be up-convert-
ed to HDV signals for recording to tape or to HD-SDI signals for output from the HD-SDI
interface.
SONY52758_HVR1500 3/19/07 12:08 PM Page 4
5
Picture Search (in HDV mode)
With an editing controller, such as the Sony RM-280 Editing
Controller, the HVR-1500 provides a convenient color picture
search function for HDV recordings. *
14
Picture Search Using Menu Keys
The HVR-1500 provides a picture search function via the menu keys
on its front panel. By pressing the / B and / A buttons, forward
and reverse search of 8 and 10 times normal play speed is available
in HDV and DVCAM/DV modes, respectively. The and buttons
allow frame-by-frame picture search, as well as slow-motion
playback.
Audio Level Control
Audio levels can be adjusted via the control knobs on the front
panel. In recording mode, the input audio level of the analog
XLR, SD-SDI, AES/EBU, and i.LINK*
15
interfaces can be adjusted.
In playback mode, the analog XLR, SD-SDI, HD-SDI, AES/EBU, and
i.LINK*
15
output audio levels can be controlled.
Auto Repeat
The HVR-1500 has a convenient auto repeat function. This
enables the VTR to automatically rewind the tape to either the
beginning of the tape or to a user-defined index point, and to
start playback again from there. Repeat start and stop index
points can also be defined by setting time code values.
Assign Button
Functions frequently used for VTR operations can be assigned to
an ASSIGN button located on the front panel of the HVR-1500.
Digital Slow Motion and Jog Sound
(in DVCAM mode)
When used with an editing controller, such as the Sony RM-280
Editing Controller, the HVR-1500 can provide excellent digital
slow motion and jog sound for DVCAM recordings. It offers
variable speed playback within the range of -0.5 to +0.5 times
normal play speed. This allows operators to locate editing
points quickly and accurately using noiseless slow-motion
playback pictures.
Built-in 2.7-inch LCD Monitor
The HVR-1500 is equipped with a 2.7-inch*
13
color LCD monitor
with a high resolution of 211 K dots. This allows operators to view
the input source during recording and check the playback
picture in a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. It can also display the
4-channel audio level meters and time code, as well as setup
menus for video, audio, and VTR settings. Three different display
modes can be selected, as shown below.
OPERATIONAL CONVENIENCE
Playback speed Image quality
x24 Coarse
x8 Coarse
x1 Normal
x1/5 Normal
x1/10 Normal
x1/30 Normal
Forward
frame-by-frame
Normal
STILL Normal
x-1 Coarse
x-8 Coarse
x-24 Coarse
Button operation Slow motion playback
Recording format
HDV DVCAM/DV
/ B FWD search x8 x10
/ A REV search x-8 x-10
FWD frame-by-frame
Yes Yes
(held down) x1/5 x1/2
No Yes
(held down)
REV frame-by-frame
x-1 x-1/2
Status Display Mode
Small Screen Display Mode
Full Screen Display Mode
*
13
Viewable area, measured diagonally.
The monitor images
are simulated.
*
14
In HDV mode, audio jog search is not supported and video jog search is sup-
ported in forward mode only.
*
15
In HDV mode, the input/output audio levels cannot be adjusted.
SONY52758_HVR1500 3/19/07 12:08 PM Page 5
6
Rear panel of the HVR-1500 (with the optional HVBK-1505 board)
OTHER FEATURES
REAR PANEL
Compact Design (half-rack wide, 3U high)
AC Operation (100 to 240V, 50/60 Hz)
Low Power Consumption (approximate 60 W)
VITC (Vertical Interval Time Code) (DVCAM format only)
Video Processor Control via Menu
Closed Caption Function (DVCAM/DV NTSC format only)
SIRCS (Sony Integrated Remote Control System) Interface
SONY52758_HVR1500 3/19/07 12:08 PM Page 6
7
Tape (HDV)
XDCAM Disc
XDCAM HD Recording Deck
i.LINK
Interface
i.LINK
Interface
Dubbing
HD-SDI or
Nonlinear Editing System
HDV/XDCAM HD Production System
HVR-1500
Tape
(HDV/DVCAM/DV)
Nonlinear Editing System
HD/SD Nonlinear Editing System
HVR-1500
Tape (HDV)
HVR-1500 HDCAM Recorder
Tape (HDCAM)
HD-SDI
HDV/HDCAM Linear Editing System
Editing Controller
RM-280
RS-422A RS-422A
i.LINK Interface
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
ACCESSORIES
VMC-IL4615/IL4635
i.LINK Cable
(4-pin to 6-pin, 1.5 m/3.5 m)
RCC-5G
9-pin Remote Control Cable
(5 m)
HVBK-1505
Analog Input Board
PHDV-276DM/186DM/124DM/64DM
DigitalMaster Standard Cassette Tape
PHDVM-63DM
DigitalMaster Mini Cassette Tape
PDVM-12CL
Cleaning Cassette Tape (Mini size)
PDV-12CL
Cleaning Cassette Tape (Standard size)
PDVM-12N/32N/40N
Digital Videocassette (Non-IC type/Mini size)
PDV-34N/64N/94N/124N/184N
Digital Videocassette (Non-IC type/Standard size)
DSRM-10
Remote Control Unit
RM-280
Editing Controller
PDVM-32ME/40ME
Digital Videocassette (IC-type/Mini size)
PDV-64ME/124ME/184ME
Digital Videocassette (IC-type/Standard size)
SONY52758_HVR1500 3/19/07 12:08 PM Page 7
© 2007 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
All non-metric weights and measurements are approximate.
Sony, DVCAM, i.LINK, DigitalMaster, HDCAM, XDCAM are trademarks of Sony.
HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and
Victor Company of Japan, Limited.
DVCPRO is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
SPECIFICATIONS
HVR-1500
60i system 50i system
Recording/playback performance
Recording format 1080/60i
†1
, 480/60i
†1
(NTSC) 1080/50i, 576/50i (PAL)
Playback & down conversion format 1080/60i
†1
, 480/60i
†1
(NTSC) 1080/50i, 576/50i (PAL)
Tape speed HDV/DV SP 18.812 mm/s 18.831 mm/s
DVCAM 28.193 mm/s 28.221 mm/s
Playback/recording HDV/DV SP Max. 276 min with PHDV-276DM cassette
time Max. 63 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette
DVCAM Max. 184 min with PDV-184N cassette
Max. 40 min with PDVM-40N cassette
Fast forward/rewind time Approx. 3 min with PHDV-276DM and PDV-184N cassette
Video Input
Digital video SD-SDI (BNC x1) Conforms to Serial Digital Interface (270Mb/s), SMPTE 259M Conforms to Serial Digtal Interface (270Mb/s), ITU-R BT. 656
Analog video Ref. video (HD/SD) HD: bipolar tri-level sync, 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative HD: bipolar tri-level sync, 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative
(BNC x2, loop-through connection)
†3
SD: black burst or composite sync, 0.286 Vp-p , 75 Ω , SD: black burst or composite sync, 0.3 Vp-p , 75 Ω ,
sync negative sync negative
Component
†2
Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative
(BNC x3)
†3
R-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω , (75% color bars) R-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω , (100% color bars)
B-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω , (75% color bars) B-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω , (100% color bars)
Composite
†2
(BNC x2, loop-through connection)
†3
1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative
S-Video
†2
Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative
(BNC x2)
†3
C: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω (at burst level) C: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω (at burst level)
Audio Input
Digital audio AES/EBU (BNC x2) Conforms to AES-3id-1995
Analog audio
†2
Audio (XLR 3-pin female x2) +4/0/-6 dBu high impedance, balanced +4/0/-3/-6 dBu, high impedance, balanced
Vidio Output
Digital video HD-SDI (BNC x2) Conforms to Serial Digital Interface (1.485, 1.485/1.001 Gb/s), SMPTE 292M
SD-SDI (BNC x2) Conforms to Serial Digital Interface (270 Mb/s), Conforms to Serial Digital Interface (270 Mb/s),
SMPTE 259M ITU-R BT.656
Analog video Component (HD) Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative
(BNC x3)
†4
R-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω
B-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω
Component (SD) Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative
(BNC x3)
†4
R-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω , (75% color bars) R-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω , (100% color bars)
B-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω , (75% color bars) B-Y: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω , (100% color bars)
Composite (BNC x1)
†4
1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative
S-Video Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative
(BNC x2)
†4
C: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω (at burst level) C: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω (at burst level)
Monitor video (BNC x1) Composite, 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω , sync negative, with superimposed text information
Audio Output
Digital audio AES/EBU (BNC x2) Conforms to AEC-3id-1995
Analog audio Audio (XLR 3-pin male x2) +4/0/-6 dBu, 600 kΩ loading, low impedance balanced +4/0/-3/-6 dBu, 600 kΩ loading, low impedance,
Monitor (RCA pin x1) -∞ to -11 dBu ±1 dB (-20 dBFS), 47 kΩ , unbalanced -∞ to -9 dBu ±1 dB (-18 dBFS), 47 kΩ , unbalanced
Headphones (JM-60 iack x1) -∞ to -13 dBu (-20 dBFS), 8 Ω , unbalanced -∞ to -11 dBu (-18 dBFS), 8 Ω , unbalanced
i.LINK Interface
i.LINK 6-pin x1
†5
IEEE 1394-based
Time Code Input/Output
TC In BNC x1 0.5 Vp-p to 18 Vp-p, 3.3 kΩ , unbalanced
TC Out BNC x1 2.2 Vp-p ±3 dB (when 600 Ω terminated), unbalanced
Remote
RS-422A D-sub 9-pin (female) x1
Control-S (SIRCS) Stereo mini jack x1
General
Weight Approx. 15 lb 3 oz (6.9 kg)
Dimensions 8 3/8 x 5 1/8 x16 5/8 inches (211(W) x 130 (H) x 420 (D) mm)
Power requirement AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption Approx. 60 W
Operating temperature 41 ˚F to 104 ˚F (5 ˚C to 40 ˚C)
Storage temperature -4 ˚F to +140 ˚F (-20 ˚C to +60 ˚C)
Operating relative humidity Less than 80%
Storage relative humidity Less than 90%
Supplied Accessories
AC power cord x1
Operating instructions x1
†1
"60i" indicates a field rate of 59.94 Hz.
†2
The HVBK-1505 Analog Input Board is required.
†3
Component, composite, and S-Video inputs share the same BNC connectors.
†4
Component, composite, and S-Video outputs share the same BNC connectors.
†5
HDV and DV streams share the same i.LINK connector.
V-2355
MK10395V1
Printed in U.S.A. 3/07
Sony Electronics Inc.
One Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
www.sony.com/HDV
SONY52758_HVR1500 3/19/07 12:08 PM Page 8
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